Are Candles in the Stars for Your Wedding Decor?

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Gillian Griffith

As Aisle Planner’s Associate Editor, Gillian knows there’s nothing as deadly as a woman with good grammar, great nails and a strong backhand (think: tennis). She is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, where she spends the sunny days with her family, her Louisiana Catahoula pup and, her ultimate love, a 1939 typewriter.

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There are few things we love more here at Aisle Planner than an über-romantic candlelit affair. After all, is evening wedding decor really complete without the flicker of a few (or a few hundred) flames? But, as much as we love a tablescape dripping in candlelight, candles happen to be one of the wedding-decor areas where logistics and rules can burst a couple's bubble quicker than you can say pass me the matches. Today, then, we're shedding serious light on all you need to know about candles at your wedding.

1. Not all venues allow open flame.

This one is a biggie. If your heart is dead-set on candlelight as part of your wedding decor, make sure you and your wedding planner talk to your venue about any restrictions on candles. Certain venues might not allow them at all, while others will have requirements surrounding them (i.e. all candles have to be enclosed in glass hurricanes). Other venues might allow for candlelight indoors, but not outside (due to environmental regulations or high fire-danger levels).

2. The time of year might affect whether you can have candles or not.

Depending on the time of year you tie the knot and the area's current fire-danger level (low, moderate, high, extreme), a venue that allows candles in February might not allow them in August during peak fire season. This is especially true for forested areas and public lands. Be sure you work with a pro or talk to your venue directly so you can avoid getting caught by surprise when you're not allowed to light those 300 votives your florist brought.

3. There's a chance of ruining linens.

When it comes to candles (and that super moody dripping-candle-wax effect so many weddings are going for these days), there's always a chance to ruin linens—this is especially true if your candles aren't enclosed in glass hurricanes. Make sure you understand the logistics of what you'll owe if linens are ruined, and work with your florist or event designer to figure out ways to avoid any damage while still achieving the aesthetic you want.

As Aisle Planner’s Associate Editor, Gillian knows there’s nothing as deadly as a woman with good grammar, great nails and a strong backhand (think: tennis). She is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, where she spends the sunny days with her family, her Louisiana Catahoula pup and, her ultimate love, a 1939 typewriter.